According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, nearly 30 million Americans suffer from an eating disorder. Typically, eating disorders develop during the teen years and affect a teen’s social and emotional well-being. Early intervention is key to battling this serious mental health concern. If you’re a parent and are concerned your teen might have an eating disorder, watch for changes in the following areas:

*Eating patterns: As teens rapidly grow and experience puberty, it’s natural for them to change their eating habits, diet or even skip meals. However, such behavior is typically short-term. Look for behavior that becomes habitual. Some changes might include eating more or less than usual, vomiting after eating, hoarding or sneaking food, fasting, eating only small portions and eating alone.*Mood: It might be difficult to determine what is a “normal” mood, as teens often experience mood fluctuations. However, look for signs of chronic depression, such as social withdraw, a decrease in self-esteem and feelings of guilt after eating.*Behavior and thoughts: Many people with eating disorders have a fear of gaining weight, although they might be thin. They might obsess over counting calories, exercising or denying they have an eating disorder.

If it’s apparent your teen has an eating disorder based on changes in the above areas, seek support from a psychiatrist and therapist. For more information about eating disorders, visit www.anad.org.